09/07/2009
Kiss News
09/07/2009
THE BEST TIMES OF MY LIFE = KISS
09/07/2009
NEW KISS PHOTOS
09/06/2009
NEXT GENERATION OF THE KISS ARMY
09/05/2009
KISS' CD BLITZ
Rock group's CD blitz includes Mr. Potato Heads
By Scott Mervis, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
How many Kiss Mr. Potato Head kollectibles are you going to need? For many fans, the answer will be two of each -- one set for you and one for the kids to play with, and lose all the pieces.
The Kiss Mr. Potato Head -- sure to be the most entertaining piece of merchandise the band has ever issued -- will take its place in the Kiss Korner at Walmart on Oct. 6 as part of a merchandise blitz that accompanies "Sonic Boom," the band's first album in 11 years.
The pitch for merch has intensified, but Kiss is taking it to the next level. The Kiss Korner will include T-shirts ($5), a fleece blanket ($10), limited edition Kiss M&M candies, catalog CDs ($5-$9) and makeup kits, masks and wigs (at select Walmart stores, $5).
Rock group's CD blitz includes Mr. Potato Heads
By Scott Mervis, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
How many Kiss Mr. Potato Head kollectibles are you going to need?
For many fans, the answer will be two of each -- one set for you and one for the kids to play with, and lose all the pieces.
The Kiss Mr. Potato Head -- sure to be the most entertaining piece of merchandise the band has ever issued -- will take its place in the Kiss Korner at Walmart on Oct. 6 as part of a merchandise blitz that accompanies "Sonic Boom," the band's first album in 11 years.
The pitch for merch has intensified, but Kiss is taking it to the next level. The Kiss Korner will include T-shirts ($5), a fleece blanket ($10), limited edition Kiss M&M candies, catalog CDs ($5-$9) and makeup kits, masks and wigs (at select Walmart stores, $5).
"Sonic Boom" will be a three-CD package ($12) with the new 11-track CD, a re-recorded greatest hits CD with classics like "Rock and Roll All Nite," "Deuce" and "Black Diamond," and a live DVD shot in Argentina during the "KISS ALIVE 35" South American tour. One new track, a vintage-style rocker called "Modern Day Delilah," is already making the rounds of YouTube.
In 2005, Garth Brooks signed the first exclusive distribution deal with a single retailer, Walmart, for "The Limited Series," a boxed set that quickly went platinum. Walmart delivered more platinum for The Eagles comeback "Long Road Out of Eden" in 2007 and AC/DC's "Black Ice," the second biggest-selling album of 2008. Like with Kiss, there was an AC/DC store-within-a-store with T-shirts, hoodies and other items. Industry people estimated AC/DC sales more than tripled because of the Walmart connection.
"It was a game-changer for the music industry," says Ed Christman, retail editor at Billboard magazine. "And Kiss lends itself even more to this type of merchandising."
The Beatles and Kiss are among those bands to be immortalized already with action figures, but Kiss, once feared to be "Knights in Satan's Service," is the first on the block with its own Mr. Potato Head and package of M&Ms.
The only downer news for Pittsburghers in this whole Kiss "Boom" is that the KISS ALIVE 35 tour, supposedly determined by an online fan vote, is not coming here. The closest stop is Cleveland on Sept. 28.
We'll hope for a second leg while we pull off Gene Simmons' Potato Head tongue.
By Scott Mervis, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
How many Kiss Mr. Potato Head kollectibles are you going to need? For many fans, the answer will be two of each -- one set for you and one for the kids to play with, and lose all the pieces.
The Kiss Mr. Potato Head -- sure to be the most entertaining piece of merchandise the band has ever issued -- will take its place in the Kiss Korner at Walmart on Oct. 6 as part of a merchandise blitz that accompanies "Sonic Boom," the band's first album in 11 years.
The pitch for merch has intensified, but Kiss is taking it to the next level. The Kiss Korner will include T-shirts ($5), a fleece blanket ($10), limited edition Kiss M&M candies, catalog CDs ($5-$9) and makeup kits, masks and wigs (at select Walmart stores, $5).
Rock group's CD blitz includes Mr. Potato Heads
By Scott Mervis, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
How many Kiss Mr. Potato Head kollectibles are you going to need?
For many fans, the answer will be two of each -- one set for you and one for the kids to play with, and lose all the pieces.
The Kiss Mr. Potato Head -- sure to be the most entertaining piece of merchandise the band has ever issued -- will take its place in the Kiss Korner at Walmart on Oct. 6 as part of a merchandise blitz that accompanies "Sonic Boom," the band's first album in 11 years.
The pitch for merch has intensified, but Kiss is taking it to the next level. The Kiss Korner will include T-shirts ($5), a fleece blanket ($10), limited edition Kiss M&M candies, catalog CDs ($5-$9) and makeup kits, masks and wigs (at select Walmart stores, $5).
"Sonic Boom" will be a three-CD package ($12) with the new 11-track CD, a re-recorded greatest hits CD with classics like "Rock and Roll All Nite," "Deuce" and "Black Diamond," and a live DVD shot in Argentina during the "KISS ALIVE 35" South American tour. One new track, a vintage-style rocker called "Modern Day Delilah," is already making the rounds of YouTube.
In 2005, Garth Brooks signed the first exclusive distribution deal with a single retailer, Walmart, for "The Limited Series," a boxed set that quickly went platinum. Walmart delivered more platinum for The Eagles comeback "Long Road Out of Eden" in 2007 and AC/DC's "Black Ice," the second biggest-selling album of 2008. Like with Kiss, there was an AC/DC store-within-a-store with T-shirts, hoodies and other items. Industry people estimated AC/DC sales more than tripled because of the Walmart connection.
"It was a game-changer for the music industry," says Ed Christman, retail editor at Billboard magazine. "And Kiss lends itself even more to this type of merchandising."
The Beatles and Kiss are among those bands to be immortalized already with action figures, but Kiss, once feared to be "Knights in Satan's Service," is the first on the block with its own Mr. Potato Head and package of M&Ms.
The only downer news for Pittsburghers in this whole Kiss "Boom" is that the KISS ALIVE 35 tour, supposedly determined by an online fan vote, is not coming here. The closest stop is Cleveland on Sept. 28.
We'll hope for a second leg while we pull off Gene Simmons' Potato Head tongue.
09/05/2009
WALMART'S ISN'T KUTTING KORNERS WITH KISS
Wal-Mart Isn't Kutting Korners to Kapitalize on KISS
By Mike Duff
In its battle of the bands with Target, Wal-Mart is getting serious.
Or perhaps delirious, but, no matter what, its latest entertainment initiative looks to be fun and productive.
Wal-Mart revealed yesterday that it would be mounting what it refers to as KISS Korners in its electronics and Halloween aisles to support its exclusive distribution of the band's new album Sonic Boom.
Among the featured items involved are Mr. Potato Head versions of all four band members in full makeup.
That's not all, of course, even if the Mr. Potato Heads are likely to be a couldn't-top-them-with-sour-cream marketing and sales success, particularly among hard-core KISS fans. The multifaceted KISS Korner merchandise initiative will be in place when Sonic Boom releases on Oct. 6 exclusively at Walmart stores, Sam's Clubs and Walmart.com. The release certainly counts as a value proposition, given that the eleven-track CD is part of a three-disc set that also features a new generation KISS greatest hits CD and a live DVD shot in Argentina during the band's South American tour, all for $12 bucks. Clearly, Wal-Mart is making a pricing statement with its recent entertainment products, one that may pressure other retailers.Wal-Mart Isn't Kutting Korners to Kapitalize on KISS
By Mike Duff
In its battle of the bands with Target, Wal-Mart is getting serious.
Or perhaps delirious, but, no matter what, its latest entertainment initiative looks to be fun and productive.
Wal-Mart revealed yesterday that it would be mounting what it refers to as KISS Korners in its electronics and Halloween aisles to support its exclusive distribution of the band's new album Sonic Boom.
Among the featured items involved are Mr. Potato Head versions of all four band members in full makeup.
That's not all, of course, even if the Mr. Potato Heads are likely to be a couldn't-top-them-with-sour-cream marketing and sales success, particularly among hard-core KISS fans. The multifaceted KISS Korner merchandise initiative will be in place when Sonic Boom releases on Oct. 6 exclusively at Walmart stores, Sam's Clubs and Walmart.com. The release certainly counts as a value proposition, given that the eleven-track CD is part of a three-disc set that also features a new generation KISS greatest hits CD and a live DVD shot in Argentina during the band's South American tour, all for $12 bucks. Clearly, Wal-Mart is making a pricing statement with its recent entertainment products, one that may pressure other retailers.
Kiss Korners will promote the album and provide fans with an additional opportunity to purchase value-priced merchandise ranging from $5 KISS t-shirts to $10 for the Mr. Potato Head "kollectables." While the electronics department displays may be more instrumental in driving music sales - the band's catalog of earlier recordings will be available, too, with CDs ranging in price from $5 to $9 - the Halloween department KISS Korners could clean up on a particular item, full makeup kits, including character-appropriate wigs, that allow consumers to take on the look of their favorite band member for just five bucks.
Wal-Mart will have a lot of help in promoting its KISS enterprise, as Gene Simmons, will put every effort into maximizing the financial opportunities that arise from the release of Sonic Boom. Besides a commitment to live performance support, he's already pitching Dr Pepper in a major ad campaign for the beverage's new cherry flavor, one that will bring more attention to the band, the album and Wal-Mart. So expect a full-scale acoustic and commercial KISS assault, one that should make the retailer an even bigger presence on the entertainment and Halloween scenes than it has been.
By Mike Duff
In its battle of the bands with Target, Wal-Mart is getting serious.
Or perhaps delirious, but, no matter what, its latest entertainment initiative looks to be fun and productive.
Wal-Mart revealed yesterday that it would be mounting what it refers to as KISS Korners in its electronics and Halloween aisles to support its exclusive distribution of the band's new album Sonic Boom.
Among the featured items involved are Mr. Potato Head versions of all four band members in full makeup.
That's not all, of course, even if the Mr. Potato Heads are likely to be a couldn't-top-them-with-sour-cream marketing and sales success, particularly among hard-core KISS fans. The multifaceted KISS Korner merchandise initiative will be in place when Sonic Boom releases on Oct. 6 exclusively at Walmart stores, Sam's Clubs and Walmart.com. The release certainly counts as a value proposition, given that the eleven-track CD is part of a three-disc set that also features a new generation KISS greatest hits CD and a live DVD shot in Argentina during the band's South American tour, all for $12 bucks. Clearly, Wal-Mart is making a pricing statement with its recent entertainment products, one that may pressure other retailers.Wal-Mart Isn't Kutting Korners to Kapitalize on KISS
By Mike Duff
In its battle of the bands with Target, Wal-Mart is getting serious.
Or perhaps delirious, but, no matter what, its latest entertainment initiative looks to be fun and productive.
Wal-Mart revealed yesterday that it would be mounting what it refers to as KISS Korners in its electronics and Halloween aisles to support its exclusive distribution of the band's new album Sonic Boom.
Among the featured items involved are Mr. Potato Head versions of all four band members in full makeup.
That's not all, of course, even if the Mr. Potato Heads are likely to be a couldn't-top-them-with-sour-cream marketing and sales success, particularly among hard-core KISS fans. The multifaceted KISS Korner merchandise initiative will be in place when Sonic Boom releases on Oct. 6 exclusively at Walmart stores, Sam's Clubs and Walmart.com. The release certainly counts as a value proposition, given that the eleven-track CD is part of a three-disc set that also features a new generation KISS greatest hits CD and a live DVD shot in Argentina during the band's South American tour, all for $12 bucks. Clearly, Wal-Mart is making a pricing statement with its recent entertainment products, one that may pressure other retailers.
Kiss Korners will promote the album and provide fans with an additional opportunity to purchase value-priced merchandise ranging from $5 KISS t-shirts to $10 for the Mr. Potato Head "kollectables." While the electronics department displays may be more instrumental in driving music sales - the band's catalog of earlier recordings will be available, too, with CDs ranging in price from $5 to $9 - the Halloween department KISS Korners could clean up on a particular item, full makeup kits, including character-appropriate wigs, that allow consumers to take on the look of their favorite band member for just five bucks.
Wal-Mart will have a lot of help in promoting its KISS enterprise, as Gene Simmons, will put every effort into maximizing the financial opportunities that arise from the release of Sonic Boom. Besides a commitment to live performance support, he's already pitching Dr Pepper in a major ad campaign for the beverage's new cherry flavor, one that will bring more attention to the band, the album and Wal-Mart. So expect a full-scale acoustic and commercial KISS assault, one that should make the retailer an even bigger presence on the entertainment and Halloween scenes than it has been.
09/04/2009
GENE'S Q104 RADIO INTERVIEW
09/04/2009
KISS ADDS OSHAWA & FRESNO
KISS adds dates, Walmart exclusives behind 'Sonic Boom'
By Tara Hall / LiveDaily Contributor
With a North American trek behind the band's forthcoming new album just three weeks away, KISS has announced a couple of new dates and an array of promotional merchandise that will hit shelves at Walmart stores in time for Halloween.
The iconic rockers, who kick off the North American leg of the trek with a two-night stand Sept. 25-26 in Detroit, have added two concerts to the "KISS Alive 35" tour: an Oct. 7 performance in Oshawa, Ontario, and a Nov. 21 show in Fresno, CA. The outing, currently set to visit 41 cities, canvases the continent before wrapping Dec. 6 in Dallas. Details are below.
"Sonic Boom," the band's first new studio set in 11 years, will be available Oct. 6 exclusively via Walmart. The $12 album comes as a three-disc set, including a re-recorded greatest hits CD and a live DVD filmed in Argentina during the group's recent South American tour.
The established rockers will also unveil their own "KISS Korner" in Walmart locations nationwide. The special section will feature merchandise including T-shirts, make-up kits, masks, wigs, candies and collectible KISS Mr. Potato Head figures, along with "Sonic Boom" and the band's past discography, according to a press release.By Tara Hall / LiveDaily Contributor
With a North American trek behind the band's forthcoming new album just three weeks away, KISS has announced a couple of new dates and an array of promotional merchandise that will hit shelves at Walmart stores in time for Halloween.
The iconic rockers, who kick off the North American leg of the trek with a two-night stand Sept. 25-26 in Detroit, have added two concerts to the "KISS Alive 35" tour: an Oct. 7 performance in Oshawa, Ontario, and a Nov. 21 show in Fresno, CA. The outing, currently set to visit 41 cities, canvases the continent before wrapping Dec. 6 in Dallas. Details are below.
"Sonic Boom," the band's first new studio set in 11 years, will be available Oct. 6 exclusively via Walmart. The $12 album comes as a three-disc set, including a re-recorded greatest hits CD and a live DVD filmed in Argentina during the group's recent South American tour.
The established rockers will also unveil their own "KISS Korner" in Walmart locations nationwide. The special section will feature merchandise including T-shirts, make-up kits, masks, wigs, candies and collectible KISS Mr. Potato Head figures, along with "Sonic Boom" and the band's past discography, according to a press release.
KISS co-founder Paul Stanley produced "Sonic Boom" in Los Angeles. The group's lineup features fellow co-founding member Gene Simmons, along with guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer.
September 2009
25, 26 - Detroit, MI - Cobo Arena
28 - Cleveland, OH - Quicken Loans Arena
29 - London, Ontario - John Labatt Centre
October 2009
1 - Montreal, Quebec - Bell Centre
2 - Toronto, Ontario - Air Canada Centre
3 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena
5 - Boston, MA - TD Banknorth Garden
7 - Oshawa, Ontario - GM Centre
9 - Uniondale, NY - Nassau Coliseum
10 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden
12 - Philadelphia, PA - Wachovia Center
13 - Washington, DC - Verizon Center
16 - Hampton, VA - Hampton Coliseum
17 - Greenville, SC - Bi-Lo Center
19 - Pensacola, FL - Pensacola Civic Center
21 - Tampa, FL - St. Pete Times Forum
22 - Sunrise, FL - Bank Atlantic Centre
24 - Birmingham, AL - Birmingham Jefferson Arena
26 - Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena
28 - Nashville, TN - Sommet Center
29 - Little Rock, AR - Verizon Arena
31 - New Orleans, LA - Voodoo Experience
November 2009
6 - Chicago, IL - United Center
7 - Minneapolis, MN - Target Center
9 - Winnipeg, Manitoba - MTS Centre
10 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - Credit Union Centre
12 - Calgary, Alberta - Pengrowth Saddledome
14 - Vancouver, British Columbia - General Motors Place
15 - Seattle, WA - Key Arena
17 - Portland, OR - Rose Garden
19 - Sacramento, CA - ARCO Arena
21 - Fresno, CA - Save Mart Center
22 - Oakland, CA - Oracle Arena
24 - Anaheim, CA - Honda Center
25 - Los Angeles, CA - Staples Center
27 - San Diego, CA - Sports Arena
December 2009
1 - Glendale, AZ - Jobing.com Arena
2 - El Paso, TX - UTEP Special Events Center
4 - Austin, TX - Frank Erwin Center
5 - Houston, TX - Toyota Centre
6 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Centre
By Tara Hall / LiveDaily Contributor
With a North American trek behind the band's forthcoming new album just three weeks away, KISS has announced a couple of new dates and an array of promotional merchandise that will hit shelves at Walmart stores in time for Halloween.
The iconic rockers, who kick off the North American leg of the trek with a two-night stand Sept. 25-26 in Detroit, have added two concerts to the "KISS Alive 35" tour: an Oct. 7 performance in Oshawa, Ontario, and a Nov. 21 show in Fresno, CA. The outing, currently set to visit 41 cities, canvases the continent before wrapping Dec. 6 in Dallas. Details are below.
"Sonic Boom," the band's first new studio set in 11 years, will be available Oct. 6 exclusively via Walmart. The $12 album comes as a three-disc set, including a re-recorded greatest hits CD and a live DVD filmed in Argentina during the group's recent South American tour.
The established rockers will also unveil their own "KISS Korner" in Walmart locations nationwide. The special section will feature merchandise including T-shirts, make-up kits, masks, wigs, candies and collectible KISS Mr. Potato Head figures, along with "Sonic Boom" and the band's past discography, according to a press release.By Tara Hall / LiveDaily Contributor
With a North American trek behind the band's forthcoming new album just three weeks away, KISS has announced a couple of new dates and an array of promotional merchandise that will hit shelves at Walmart stores in time for Halloween.
The iconic rockers, who kick off the North American leg of the trek with a two-night stand Sept. 25-26 in Detroit, have added two concerts to the "KISS Alive 35" tour: an Oct. 7 performance in Oshawa, Ontario, and a Nov. 21 show in Fresno, CA. The outing, currently set to visit 41 cities, canvases the continent before wrapping Dec. 6 in Dallas. Details are below.
"Sonic Boom," the band's first new studio set in 11 years, will be available Oct. 6 exclusively via Walmart. The $12 album comes as a three-disc set, including a re-recorded greatest hits CD and a live DVD filmed in Argentina during the group's recent South American tour.
The established rockers will also unveil their own "KISS Korner" in Walmart locations nationwide. The special section will feature merchandise including T-shirts, make-up kits, masks, wigs, candies and collectible KISS Mr. Potato Head figures, along with "Sonic Boom" and the band's past discography, according to a press release.
KISS co-founder Paul Stanley produced "Sonic Boom" in Los Angeles. The group's lineup features fellow co-founding member Gene Simmons, along with guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer.
September 2009
25, 26 - Detroit, MI - Cobo Arena
28 - Cleveland, OH - Quicken Loans Arena
29 - London, Ontario - John Labatt Centre
October 2009
1 - Montreal, Quebec - Bell Centre
2 - Toronto, Ontario - Air Canada Centre
3 - Uncasville, CT - Mohegan Sun Arena
5 - Boston, MA - TD Banknorth Garden
7 - Oshawa, Ontario - GM Centre
9 - Uniondale, NY - Nassau Coliseum
10 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden
12 - Philadelphia, PA - Wachovia Center
13 - Washington, DC - Verizon Center
16 - Hampton, VA - Hampton Coliseum
17 - Greenville, SC - Bi-Lo Center
19 - Pensacola, FL - Pensacola Civic Center
21 - Tampa, FL - St. Pete Times Forum
22 - Sunrise, FL - Bank Atlantic Centre
24 - Birmingham, AL - Birmingham Jefferson Arena
26 - Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena
28 - Nashville, TN - Sommet Center
29 - Little Rock, AR - Verizon Arena
31 - New Orleans, LA - Voodoo Experience
November 2009
6 - Chicago, IL - United Center
7 - Minneapolis, MN - Target Center
9 - Winnipeg, Manitoba - MTS Centre
10 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan - Credit Union Centre
12 - Calgary, Alberta - Pengrowth Saddledome
14 - Vancouver, British Columbia - General Motors Place
15 - Seattle, WA - Key Arena
17 - Portland, OR - Rose Garden
19 - Sacramento, CA - ARCO Arena
21 - Fresno, CA - Save Mart Center
22 - Oakland, CA - Oracle Arena
24 - Anaheim, CA - Honda Center
25 - Los Angeles, CA - Staples Center
27 - San Diego, CA - Sports Arena
December 2009
1 - Glendale, AZ - Jobing.com Arena
2 - El Paso, TX - UTEP Special Events Center
4 - Austin, TX - Frank Erwin Center
5 - Houston, TX - Toyota Centre
6 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Centre
09/04/2009
LATEST IN KISS COLLECTIBLES
09/04/2009
ON THIS DAY IN KISSTORY 1996
